Kirby and the Forgotten Land

About Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a 3D platformer from HAL Laboratory, released on March 25 2022 for Nintendo Switch. It tasks you with controlling a pink puffball who absorbs enemy powers to navigate environments and solve puzzles. The game leans into whimsical settings like abandoned malls and alien landscapes, blending action with light exploration. Single-player dominates but co-op and multiplayer modes let friends join in. Its charm lies in Kirby’s ability to copy weapons and skills, turning every fight into a tool for traversal. A fast-paced adventure with simple mechanics and vibrant visuals, it’s designed for quick sessions or extended play.

Gameplay

The core loop revolves around platforming, combat, and power absorption. Kirby jumps, glides, and inhales enemies to gain abilities like a flaming sword or ice breath, which unlock new paths. Levels are structured as 3D mazes with hidden Waddle Dees to rescue and secrets to uncover. Controls are tight and responsive, with analog stick movement feeling intuitive. Multiplayer adds layers, as two players can team up to tackle stages or engage in mini-games. Boss fights require adapting absorbed powers creatively. The game emphasizes exploration over combat, with 80% of playtime spent searching for shortcuts and hidden items. Sessions rarely drag, averaging 30, 60 minutes.

What Players Think

The game holds an 85.1/100 on IGDB, with 97 reviews. 19.7% of players complete it, and the average playtime is 10.5 hours. Community moods are mostly positive: 58% Happy, 23% Amused, 14% Curious, 4% Bored. Reviewers praise Kirby’s fluid movement and ability variety, with one stating, “Kirby’s power absorption keeps things fresh.” Others note the 3D platforming feels tight. Achievements include “Rescue 100 Waddle Dees” and “Defeat the Final Boss.” Criticisms focus on repetitive enemy types, but the 9.1/10 average review score suggests overall satisfaction.

PlayPile's Take

At $59.99, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a solid pick for casual players and fans of 3D platformers. Its co-op modes and power variety add replayability, though it lacks deep mechanics. The game thrives on charm and accessibility, making it ideal for shorter sessions. With 100+ achievements and 80% of players spending under 12 hours, it’s a quick but satisfying experience. Not impressive, but it delivers what it promises: a fun, colorful adventure with Kirby.

Storyline

Kirby awakens, washed ashore in a strange and mysterious world, one where nature and civilization have become one. As he adventures through this forgotten land he finds and saves Waddle Dees, who rebuild their recently destroyed home town. While searching for more Waddle Dees Kirby finds the reason for the opening rift and fights to try to save the two planets colliding!